Many of us in free societies consider ourselves
Christians, but how strong are our convictions? Seldom are we tested, and
because of this, there is perhaps an uneasiness within us, an uncertainty
as to how our beliefs would stand up under pressure.

A twenty-nine-year-old Russian girl, Aida Skripnikova,
and others like her, have suffered discrimination in education, loss of
employment, social pressure from friends and neighbors, harassment and ridicule,
and finally imprisonment, because of their Christian
beliefs.

They have suffered greatly, but have gained a serenity
and happiness through the knowledge that they can and will fight to obtain
their goal  freedom of religious beliefs and
practices.

What follows are authenticated reports gathered
by Michael Bourdeaux, Xenia Howard-Johnston, and others at the Centre for
the Study of Religion and Communism, in London, which uncover the tense
relationship between Church and State in Communist
countries.

The name of Aida Skripnikova has come to the attention
of the Western world as a young Russian girl sent to prison for her religious
beliefs. Other names have also surfaced, and we on the outside wonder what
the situation is in the Soviet Union. Is there persecution? If so, how extensive
is it and what form does it take? Michael Bourdeaux, Xenia Howard-Johnston,
and others at the Centre for the Study of Religion and Communism, in London,
devote their lives to finding the answers to these questions. What they have
offered here is a glimpse into the realities of religious life in the Soviet
Union, and a portrait of a courageous girl, and others like her, who maintain
their convictions in the face of State and social pressures, including
imprisonment.

_______________________

The Evidence That Convicted

AIDA SKRIPNIKOVA

by Michael Bourdeaux

Edited by: Xenia Howard-Johnston and Michael Bourdeaux

THE EDITORS wish to thank Miss Kathleen Matchett and David Knight
for their help in translating the trial of Aida Skripnikova.

Thanks are also due to the Sunday Telegraph
for their kind permission to reproduce the material contained in the
Epilogue.